That the France international has been cast into the wilderness has been surprising though, but Di Matteo has been coy over the winger’s situation.

"I don’t know", said Di Matteo at a press conference which questioned over whether the 32-year-old could play in the Premier League this season.

"The future will decide", he added.

"He is currently with the Under-21s. The transfer market does not open until January."

Malouda could return to his former club Lyon, who have shown an interest in bringing him back to the Stade Gerland. However, it is likely the Frenchman would have to take a substantial wage cut to make the move happen.